HAMILTON, ONTARIO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- May 01, 2009 -- Thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada, 23 research projects at universities across the country will receive funding to develop advanced nuclear energy systems. These projects will encourage technology innovation, create jobs and boost Canada's economy.

"Investing in clean-energy research in Canadian universities is a win-win," said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources, who made the announcement at an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the McMaster University nuclear reactor. "By funding these university programs, we are training our future leaders in world-class research facilities, encouraging job creation and stimulating our economy."

Natural Resources Canada, in partnership with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and in collaboration with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), will provide almost $6 million in grants over the next three years to fund the 23 Generation IV (Gen IV) research projects at universities from Nova Scotia to British Columbia.

Through support for the new program, the Government of Canada is fulfilling part of its commitments as a charter member of the Generation IV International Forum. The Forum is a multi-national research initiative aimed at developing the next generation of nuclear energy systems with a focus on improving safety, reducing waste, lowering costs and increasing resistance to proliferation.

FOR BROADCAST USE: Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt announced that the Government of Canada will provide almost $6 million for a new program to fund and coordinate Generation IV nuclear research at Canadian universities. Twenty universities will participate in research over the next three years aimed at developing the next generation of safe, nuclear reactors for clean energy generation.

WoW! Is that a whole 2 million dollars! divided 23 ways!!! That should buy some graduate students a nice night out...

How about we setup a x-prize time foundation for nuclear fission research? (there is an x-prize for fusion - but whos kidding who, that'll probably not be claimed in our lifetimes) Maybe having specific goals paying off a set amount of cash... Like demonstrating a low power LFTR to produce inexpensive nuclear medicines for example...

IMO, if you're committed to "the cause", a little bit of money can go a long way: I think that one could set up a single-channel molten salt loop for a couple thousand bucks -- and get a dozen different technical reports from participating students....

Yes, if you're committed to the cause - you can shake the world. It just seems the only guys committed to a cause these days, are strapping bombs to their chests. Everyone else wants to (and should) get paid.

Governments like spending money into scientific mega projects like Coliders and Fusion reactors. These are very costly. IMO Fusion will not be a solution for a very long time, no matter how much money you throw at it.

By putting the money into small projects done in universities, you are paying to educate the next generation of engineers and scientists. Most research projects fail to creat an economic product. By having many small projects, you are more likely to discover something that works.

I agree totally. I -was- an impoverished engineering student. For a few hundred a week I would have done practically anything, and if I loved the project, I would have seen it as pennies from heaven. And, being young and idealistic, I would have tried desperately to make it a -useful- project.

So, is there a lobby group or org that is trying to turn the tide and encourage the public and the Govt to look at it with fresh eyes ?

I know some guys that started out as Green Peace activists from British Columbia decades ago, and now their children are activists and organizing things in California. But, according to some of them, neither the population bomb should be a real concern, nor is development of nuclear energy a worthwhile goal. They think nuclear energy is not only not a solution, but the issue is being pushed by corporate greed and bad science. They have not heard of the metal Thorium. To them, the world needs to go back to local small scale solutions - he rattles of a plethora of items. The way I get it, is, while all those plethora items are each of them worth following up to a point, they, even collectively, will not suffice. Earth is a finite entity and any indefinite growth, in population, or per capita demand on energy and resources - all these are eventually going to create a catastrophic imbalance and a correction. As far as energy alone is concerned, nothing is an infinite source, but Thorium could go a long way.

Where is the platform for energetic and balanced debate on these issues, where neither corporates, nor other closed mind people can get any upper hand, and good sense can prevail ?

Well, this forum itself looks like a good fissile seed to start a global grassroot - and hopefully go "critical" someday.

Anyone thought of covering this more or less on a continuous basis through a podcast that can be freely listened to by inquisitive listeners world wide ?

I run a social podcast, and not related to Thorium or nuclear fuel. It has its listener base and often ranks 5th within its category (Society and Culture) in Podcastalley. I do not mind conducting an interview with one of you that can talk freely and with some authority on the issues, answer questions, and give honest opinions on why this should be a matter of high interest for everyone and particularly the younger generation.

The roadmapping process, which is part of NRCan's Energy Innovation Program, was announced on 22 February by Parliamentary Secretary Kim Rudd on behalf of Minister of Natural Resources Jim Carr. Driven by interested provincial and territorial governments and energy utilities, the exercise will be delivered by the Canadian Nuclear Association. It will engage stakeholders to better understand their views on priorities and challenges related to the possible development and deployment of SMRs in Canada.

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